A nasty benefit that will see most people lose a lot of money, some disabled people will lose over £100+ weekly, some disabled couples £200+, with many other also losing out.

Do not move from your existing benefit to UC without a benefit check first as you may well lose a small fortune if you move.

Universal Credit will at some stage replace the following benefits:

Child tax credit

Housing benefit

Working tax credit

Income support

Income-related employment and support allowance

Income-based jobseekers allowance

Universal Credit will not replace:

Attendance allowance

Bereavement benefits

Carer's allowance

Child benefit

Council tax benefit

Disability living allowance

Maternity allowance

Contributory employment and support allowance

Contributory jobseeker's allowance

Industrial injuries disablement benefit

Pension credit

Personal independence payment

Statutory maternity pay

Statutory sick pay

War pensions

How will it work?

Universal Credit will be paid in one monthly payment to a household, which may consist of a single person, a couple or a family.†It consists of one basic element and five other elements, for which claimants need to qualify.

Universal Credit will be paid to people who do not have a job and people who are in low-paid work to top up their earnings. The amount of Universal Credit will reduce as working hours and earnings increase.

The age-related standard allowance is the basic benefit awarded. It will be lower for under-25s. If you are in a couple, you will be assessed as a unit.